Las Vegas ranked in top bedbug cities list

According to pest control company Terminix, bedbugs can last longer without a blood meal. (Source: Terminix)

LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -

Las Vegas garnered a distinction that it probably wants to exterminate, especially with the number of hotel rooms in the tourist destination.

According to a survey by Terminix, the southern Nevada metropolis was ranked third in a 2013 list of cities with the highest increases of bedbug infestations.

The company measured the number of bedbug-specific calls made in the first five months of the year compared to the same period of time in 2012. Terminix said Las Vegas had 50 percent more bedbug service calls in 2013.

Las Vegas ranked behind Sacramento and Milwaukee on the list.

According to the company, the small parasitic insects can live longer without a blood meal and usually can travel in the seams of luggage, carry-on bags, folded clothing and furniture.

People can also be bitten but not realize it until itchy, swollen rashes appear, Terminix said.

The company offered some tips in preventing the risk of being bitten or transporting bedbugs: